Doubront expected to start next week

BOSTON -- Despite his decreased velocity and recent lack of success, Red Sox lefty Felix Doubront is expected to slot back into the rotation at some point next week, according to manager John Farrell.

The Red Sox have an off-day on Monday, but would need a fifth starter by May 18 at the latest.

Scratched in favor of Allen Webster in his last start, Doubront threw 103 pitches out of the bullpen in a mop-up role on Wednesday and got shelled.

How can the club get him back on track?

"To try to continue to generate arm speed and that's through energy in the delivery," Farrell said. "You can't just point your finger to one thing and say, 'This is going to create additional velocity.' If you start to speed up a body and then you have to take into account an arm action, which his is a little bit longer, but that's what his natural arm action is, we can't begin to adjust an arm action.

"That's too dangerous from a health standpoint and that takes time. You stay the course with the constants and that's the strengthening programs and that's what's employed every five days in that work week. I think barring any increase in velocity, what's got to be adjusted is his recognition of the stuff that he has, particularly when he gets ahead in the count."

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.